Podcast appearances and mentions of pete wright

The Final Toast: Answering Your Burning Divorce QuestionsIn this farewell episode of How to Split a Toaster, family law attorney Seth Nelson and co-host Pete Wright tackle a collection of diverse listener questions about divorce, relationships, and co-parenting. From custody concerns to financial disputes, they address the complex challenges many face during separation.Key Questions AddressedThe hosts explore crucial topics including coercive control in divorce, psychological evaluations for new partners, dissipation of assets, and enforcing custody agreements across international borders. Seth provides practical legal insights while Pete offers thoughtful perspective on navigating these challenging situations.Notable Legal InsightsChild support and alimony obligations remain non-dischargeable even in bankruptcyCourts take coercive control seriously when properly documented and presentedForeign divorce judgments can be domesticated and enforced in U.S. courts with proper procedureCo-Parenting ChallengesSeth and Pete discuss strategies for handling difficult co-parenting dynamics, including:Managing relationships with new partnersProtecting children during high-conflict divorcesNavigating custody when mental health issues are involvedAddressing parental alienation concernsFinancial ConsiderationsThe episode covers important financial aspects of divorce:Division of marital assets and debtsHandling joint business interestsPension division through QDROsTax implications of custody arrangementsAs their final episode, Seth and Pete reflect on over 230 episodes helping listeners navigate divorce while preserving relationships. While new episodes won't be produced, the extensive archive remains available as an ongoing resource for those facing divorce and separation challenges.This farewell episode encapsulates the show's core mission: providing practical legal guidance and relationship-saving strategies to help listeners move forward constructively after divorce.Links & NotesSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Listener Questions (00:50) - Question 1: Trapped and Terrified (03:04) - Question 2: Barb L. (04:08) - Question 3: Rhonda and Gene (05:32) - Question 4: Deb (09:59) - Question 5: Deduction Dilemma in Denver (11:54) - Question 6: Drained and Dissipated (14:29) - Question 7: CEO in Crisis (16:43) - Question 8: Secretly Surveilled (18:02) - Question 9: Overseas Obstacle (19:48) - Question 10: Drowning in Debt (20:29) - Question 11: Rental Dilemma (22:23) - Question 12: Expatriot Predicament (23:34) - Question 13: Blindsided Bride (25:05) - Question 14: Bankrupt and Bewildered (26:04) - Question 15: Desperate Dad (27:53) - Question 16: Bullied by the Bar (29:30) - Question 17: Closeted and Concerned (30:52) - Question 18: High-Conflict Headache (31:59) - Question 19: Accused of Agreement Breach (34:23) - Question 20: Stymied by Shoddy Split (38:02) - Our Last Episode!

“All those moments will be lost in time... like tears in rain.”A Legacy of Light and ShadowCinematographer Jeff Cronenweth joins Movies We Like hosts Andy Nelson and Pete Wright to explore Ridley Scott's groundbreaking 1982 film Blade Runner. As the son of the film's original cinematographer Jordan Cronenweth, Jeff brings a unique perspective on both the technical achievements and lasting influence of this sci-fi noir masterpiece. With his recent work on Tron: Ares hitting theaters, Cronenweth reflects on how Blade Runner continues to inspire filmmakers and cinematographers four decades later.From early experiences on film sets with his father to becoming David Fincher's go-to cinematographer on films like Fight Club, The Social Network, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Cronenweth has built a career focused on visual storytelling that serves character and narrative. He describes his approach as seeking human stories within any genre, whether period drama or science fiction. His transition from film to digital cinematography reflects broader industry changes, while maintaining his commitment to thoughtful, story-driven imagery.The conversation explores how Blade Runner created its influential neo-noir aesthetic with remarkably limited technical resources, including just three xenon lights for its iconic beam effects and borrowed neon lights from Francis Ford Coppola's One from the Heart set. Cronenweth shares insights into the film's production challenges and creative solutions, from practical lighting techniques to Ridley Scott's visionary production design. The discussion examines how the film balances its high-concept science fiction premise with intimate character moments, creating a template for genre storytelling that continues to resonate. Cronenweth also offers perspective on the various cuts of the film and its 2017 sequel.Through this engaging conversation, Cronenweth illuminates not just the technical mastery behind Blade Runner, but its enduring impact on cinema. His unique connection to the film through his father, combined with his own distinguished career, offers viewers fresh insights into this landmark work of science fiction and its continuing influence on visual storytelling.

Pete Wright has spent decades amplifying other people's voices. As a producer, he's an invisible architect of countless conversations, the one who shapes stories without telling them, who creates space for others to shine while remaining carefully out of frame. But what happens when the producer becomes the protagonist?In this episode of Mission Forward, Carrie turns the tables on her own show's producer—a role reversal that reveals something unexpected about the nature of legacy, presence, and the stories we tell ourselves about who we are.Pete's journey from behind-the-scenes collaborator to solo podcaster with "Headstone" represents more than just a podcast pivot. It's a confrontation with what he calls a "terrifying hello"—the moment when there's no net, no team, no one to blame or credit but yourself. For someone who has made a living being the essential person nobody sees, stepping into the spotlight requires a fundamental reimagining of identity.The conversation that emerges between Carrie and Pete is intimate in the way that only comes when two people who've worked together closely finally sit down to really see each other. They explore the deaths that shaped them, the hellos that changed them, and the space between where presence lives."Saying hello is an act of courage because it implies change," Pete says, getting to the heart of why so many of us struggle with transitions. Every hello promises that something about us will be different on the other side. Every goodbye demands we let go of a version of ourselves we've grown comfortable being.In an industry obsessed with personal branding and thought leadership, Pete has built a career on making other people's ideas more powerful. His new solo podcast isn't an abandonment of that philosophy but an evolution of it—using his platform to explore how ordinary people create extraordinary legacies through the simple act of being present for one another.As Pete and Carrie navigate questions about presence, legacy, and the space between hellos and goodbyes, they reveal something essential about how change actually works: it's not in the dramatic moments but in the daily practice of showing up, of choosing courage over comfort, of saying yes to the person you're becoming while honoring who you've been.Links and NotesHeadstone with Pete Wright“How to Be Remembered Without Saying a Word With Carrie Fox,” Carrie's appearance on "Headstone," July 19, 2025“After Life,” Radiolab, First Broadcast July 27, 2009 (00:00) - Welcome to Mission Forward (04:53) - The Story of Headstone (25:53) - The courage of Hello (31:09) - Enough is Enough ___This episode is also brought to you by Positively Partners. When HR starts to slow down your mission, it's time for a better solution. Positively HR is the fully outsourced HR partner that understands nonprofits—and acts like part of your team. Learn more at PositivelyPartners.org.

Looking in the Mirror: Finding Self-Awareness Through DivorceFamily law attorney Seth Nelson and Pete Wright welcome Lionel Moses, a Desert Storm veteran and relationship coach who helps people break unhealthy relationship patterns through what he calls "the mirror effect." This powerful episode of How to Split a Toaster explores how divorce can become a catalyst for essential self-discovery and growth.The Mirror Effect in RelationshipsDrawing from his experiences through two divorces, Lionel shares how seeing himself as the common denominator led to transformative insights about relationship patterns. As a self-described "people pleaser," he discovered that his tendency to fix others' problems masked deeper emotional needs that went unaddressed in his marriages.Breaking Cycles Through Self-AwarenessSeth brings his legal expertise to the conversation, highlighting how emotional readiness impacts divorce proceedings. When clients focus exclusively on their former spouse's behavior rather than their own growth, it often complicates and extends the legal process. The discussion reveals how self-awareness can lead to more constructive co-parenting relationships and healthier future partnerships.From Performance to AuthenticityLionel's concept of "performative relationships" resonates throughout the conversation, as he describes moving from seeking external validation to developing genuine self-love. This transformation enabled him to build more authentic connections and achieve amicable co-parenting relationships—a goal many find challenging during divorce.Key Insights• Examine your patterns in relationships rather than focusing solely on your partner's behavior• Develop emotional resilience by understanding your authentic needs versus performative habits• Build self-awareness before entering new relationships to break recurring relationship cyclesThis episode offers invaluable guidance for anyone navigating divorce or seeking healthier relationship patterns. Through Lionel's candid sharing and Seth's legal wisdom, listeners gain practical tools for self-reflection and personal growth during major life transitions.Whether you're considering divorce, in the midst of proceedings, or rebuilding after separation, this conversation provides a roadmap for using life's challenges as opportunities for transformation and healing.Links & NotesFind Lionel on his website, LinkedIn, Facebook, InstagramCheck out The Marriage SeedSchedule a consult with Seth (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Meet Lionel Moses (00:58) - What Is the Mirror Effect? (02:18) - The Transformation (03:46) - Too Much Focus on the Other Side (06:28) - Figuring Out How to Manage Relationships (11:20) - Emotional Resilience (14:40) - Reflecting on What You Were Attracting (15:48) - The Marriage Seed (21:02) - Connecting to Legal Commitments (23:46) - Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (26:27) - Making Hard Decisions (28:03) - Performative (30:16) - Wrap Up

There's a moment every HR professional remembers — that first email, that first conversation, that first tremor in the air when “return to office” stopped being a policy discussion and started being personal. Three years ago, the message was simple: Stay home, stay safe. Now it's: Come back. And in between, everything about how we work — and what we value — has changed.In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with AIM HR Solutions' Tom Jones and Annette Dupree to explore the strange, often uneasy middle ground between flexibility and structure, empathy and compliance. It's a story about the quiet negotiations happening in every workplace — between leaders trying to rebuild culture and employees trying to preserve the balance they finally found.Annette starts with something deceptively simple: mindset. What if return-to-office isn't about control, but reconnection? What if the message isn't we need you here, but we miss you here? From that shift, a thousand possibilities open up — from reimagining flexibility to reframing belonging.Tom, meanwhile, brings the legal lens: what happens when compassion meets compliance? When a doctor's note becomes a line in the sand? He explains the fine print of the interactive dialogue — that delicate conversation between employee, manager, and HR that determines what's possible and what isn't. It's the kind of process that sounds bureaucratic but, done right, can restore trust instead of eroding it.And then there's the harder truth: sometimes, it isn't about coming back. It's about who comes back. Reductions in force test the soul of an organization. Tom and Annette walk through how to make those decisions — how to document criteria, avoid bias, and resist the all-too-human temptation to let frustration drive strategy. Because when layoffs happen, the work doesn't end. It shifts.This is an episode about the messy, necessary work of being human at work — and the leaders who try, every day, to get it right. AIM HR Solutions Training CatalogAIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

Greetings, Users! The Film Board Gathers again—this time to boot up TRON: Ares, Disney's latest attempt to update a franchise that still doesn't understand what “updating” means. Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, Steve Sarmento, and Mandy Kaplan log on to debate Jared Leto's turn as an AI messiah with great hair and no emotional bandwidth, and Greta Lee's heroic attempt to act her way out of the mainframe.The panel tackles the film's tangled themes—AI, empathy, and whatever Jared Leto thinks a “character arc” is—before turning to the one thing everyone agrees on: the Nine Inch Nails score absolutely slaps. The music may be futuristic perfection, even if the story feels like it's still buffering from 2011.So, is TRON: Ares a bold leap into a new digital age or just a flickering screensaver of nostalgia and noise? Plug in, charge your light disc, and find out as the Film Board decodes every pixel of this glowing glitch in the Disney matrix.Film SundriesWatch: Apple TV | LetterboxdOriginal Theatrical Trailer Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean Shop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

Self-Sabotage in Divorce: Understanding Hidden PatternsIn this compelling episode of How to Split a Toaster, Seth Nelson and Pete Wright explore the psychology of self-sabotage during divorce with guest expert Dr. Philip Agrios. The conversation delves into how unconscious patterns can derail both relationships and divorce proceedings.Understanding Self-SabotageDr. Agrios identifies three fundamental reasons for self-sabotage: past success followed by loss, avoiding necessary actions, and fear that success brings more pain. These patterns particularly impact divorce proceedings where emotional stakes are high and rational decision-making is crucial.Legal Impact and Court BehaviorSeth Nelson emphasizes how self-sabotage manifests in legal settings, particularly during depositions and court appearances. Clients often undermine their cases by over-talking, treating minor issues as emergencies, or failing to provide required documentation timely—all of which increase legal costs and complexity.Key Insights:Self-sabotage often serves as unconscious protection from perceived greater painCourt time constraints require focusing on truly significant issuesUnderstanding behavioral patterns helps navigate divorce more effectivelyBreaking Free from Self-Sabotaging PatternsThe discussion outlines practical strategies for recognizing and addressing self-sabotage, including:Identifying protective behaviors versus growth behaviorsWorking with attorneys efficiently to manage costsUnderstanding personal triggers and responsesThe episode provides valuable insights for anyone navigating divorce while dealing with self-sabotaging tendencies. Dr. Agrios' expertise combined with Seth's legal experience offers practical tools for maintaining focus and making better decisions during divorce proceedings.Links & NotesCheck out Dr. Philip Agrios on his website, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeCheck out Dr. Philip's book Life's One LawSchedule a consult with Seth (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Meet Dr. Philip Agrios (01:06) - Recognizing Self Sabotage (02:40) - Three Reasons (05:16) - Afraid to Succeed (09:06) - Staying Can Be Self-Sabotaging (12:04) - During the Divorce Process (16:05) - Emotional Superpowers (18:38) - Three Traits (20:33) - Self-Sabotage in Court (24:54) - Tying Back to the Principles (27:21) - Becoming Self-Aware of Self-Sabotaging Tendencies (33:15) - Wrap Up

Imagine this: one person spends ten minutes with their doctor, walks out with a prescription, and calls it an ADHD diagnosis. Another spends an entire day in a psychologist's office, testing memory, attention, and executive function, only to arrive at the very same conclusion. Which one is “real”? Which one counts?In this episode, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer talk with psychologist Dr. Amie DeHarpporte, who has spent her career living at the intersection of these contradictions. Once a high school teacher and now a specialist in ADHD assessment, Dr. DeHarpporte has seen how elusive—and yet how desperately needed—a clear diagnosis can be. She explains why ADHD is simultaneously overdiagnosed and underdiagnosed, how TikTok has blurred the boundaries of what people think ADHD looks like, and why the process is as much art as it is science.But the story isn't just about tests and checklists. At its heart, a diagnosis is about validation—about someone finally saying, yes, what you've been experiencing all these years is real. Dr. DeHarpporte takes us inside her practice, showing how thorough assessment can unravel years of shame, rewrite self-narratives, and reveal strengths hidden in plain sight.What you'll discover is that ADHD diagnosis isn't a binary. It's a lens, a way of telling the story of your life with more clarity. And sometimes, that clarity is the most important prescription of all.Links & NotesDr. Amie DeHarpporte's practice: Portage PsychologyUnapologetically ADHD paperback release October 28Support the Show on PatreonADHD Discord CommunityDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (03:14) - Support the Show! (05:43) - Introducing Dr. Amie DeHarpporte (07:24) - The Diagnosis Space (14:18) - What goes into a diagnosis ---Conquer the Holiday Season with ADHD! Registration is Now Open!Navigate the holiday season without the burnout. This 4-week workshop series combines strategic planning, project management, and decluttering support with body doubling sessions that get things actually done. You'll build your holiday plan in October, execute it with support through November, and reset peacefully in January—all with a community that understands your ADHD brain. Register today at https://takecontroladhd.com/holidays. ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Digital Divorce: Managing Your Tech Life After SeparationSeth Nelson and Pete Wright discuss the often-overlooked digital aspects of divorce. They explore how to handle shared digital assets, from photos and passwords to smart home devices and streaming services.Key Digital Assets to AddressThe hosts identify several critical digital touchpoints that need attention during divorce:Cloud storage and shared photo albumsSmart home devices and security systemsLocation sharing services and trackingStreaming services and digital purchasesPassword managers and account accessFamily calendars and school portalsLegal and Security ConsiderationsSeth emphasizes the importance of proper timing when modifying digital access, particularly regarding shared homes and accounts. The discussion covers potential legal issues with unauthorized account access and the benefits of starting fresh with new accounts post-divorce.Key Insights:• Create new separate accounts rather than trying to untangle shared ones• Turn on two-factor authentication for all important accounts• Don't delete digital content until after divorce proceedings concludePractical Digital Separation StepsThe hosts recommend:Digitizing physical photos and albums early in the processSetting up independent password management systemsEstablishing new banking relationshipsCreating fresh email accounts without personally identifiable informationSmart Home SecurityPete and Seth discuss the delicate timing of changing smart home access, emphasizing that modifications should align with legal possession arrangements rather than emotional impulses.This episode provides essential guidance for maintaining digital boundaries while navigating divorce, highlighting both technical and legal considerations for separating intertwined digital lives.Links & NotesSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:27) - The Digital Divide (02:13) - Photos (05:38) - Cloud Services (07:36) - Smart Homes (09:25) - Changing the Locks (10:23) - When It's Appropriate to Remove Someone (11:54) - Location Sharing Tools (13:42) - Entertainment Services (17:26) - Password Managers (21:36) - Logging into Your Ex's Accounts (23:23) - Family Communication (25:25) - Including These Items in a Divorce Agreement (26:11) - Securing Yourself Going Forward (29:36) - When Can You Purge (30:11) - Wrap Up

Paul Thomas Anderson just made an action movie you can take your in-laws to without a 20-minute lecture about American masculinity and bowling metaphors. One Battle After Another is PTA's $175 million plunge into the now, mixing the absurdity of a stoner dad in a bathrobe with a razor-sharp allegory about fascism, power, and family. Leonardo DiCaprio leads as a washed-up revolutionary trying to rescue his daughter (Chase Infinity) from Sean Penn's snarling, broken military villain, and the result is both wildly funny and uncomfortably timely.Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Steve Sarmento dig deep into the contradictions and triumphs of the film. They debate Sean Penn's feral Lockjaw, the Christmas Adventurers Club (absurdist satire or terrifying cabal?), and the grounded humanity of the father-daughter story that anchors the spectacle. From Benicio del Toro's Zen “Sensei” to Johnny Greenwood's jagged score to the breathtaking desert chase sequence, the conversation unpacks how PTA manages to hold together chaos, comedy, and heartbreak in a film that already feels like one of the year's defining works.As always, the panelists disagree (sometimes passionately) on the ending, the satire, and whether it all needs that extra denouement in Office 55. But they unite on one point: this is the kind of audacious, ambitious, theatrical cinema you absolutely need to see on the biggest screen you can find.Links & NotesWatch Now: Apple TV | Amazon | LetterboxdOriginal Theatrical TrailerVery Loosely Adapted from Vineland (Classic, 20th-Century, Penguin) by Thomas Pynchon Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Pete | JJ | Steve | Tommy | Andy | Ocean Shop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

“When my father passed, I wanted nothing more than my mother's happiness. For what kind of man would I be if I did not help my mother?”Production designer Andrew McAlpine joins hosts Andy Nelson and Pete Wright to discuss Jane Campion's The Power of the Dog. Drawing from his extensive career including work on The Piano with Campion herself, McAlpine offers unique insights into the film's exploration of isolation, masculinity, and the psychological complexity of its characters. His perspective as both a fellow New Zealander and previous Campion collaborator brings fresh depth to this haunting Western drama.McAlpine's journey from aspiring surgeon to art school graduate led him through theater, holography, and eventually to production design. His work spans diverse projects including Sid and Nancy, Clockers, The Beach, and Aeon Flux. McAlpine approaches each film with an emphasis on authentic period detail while avoiding heavy-handed historical recreation, allowing the environment to serve the emotional truth of the story rather than mere accuracy.The conversation explores how The Power of the Dog examines masculine isolation through Phil's character, drawing parallels to McAlpine's work on The Piano. He highlights the film's masterful use of landscape and architecture to amplify psychological tension, particularly through the imposing ranch house. The discussion delves into Peter's character complexity and the film's careful build toward its devastating conclusion. McAlpine offers fascinating insights into how Campion's direction creates space for both brutality and vulnerability in her characters.

Out in the remote villages of South Korea, Indonesia, and Thailand, belief isn't just tradition—it's infrastructure. In this month's episode of Sitting in the Dark, guest host Andy Nelson takes Pete Wright, Tommy Metz III, and Kynan Dias on a journey into three modern horror films that weaponize spiritual legacy: The Wailing (2016), Impetigore (2019), and The Medium (2021). Each film presents a different lens on the collision between folk belief and contemporary life, and none of them offers easy answers.The panel dives deep into the disorienting tone shifts of The Wailing, where slapstick cops and demonic rituals clash with devastating consequences. They unpack the haunting beauty and brutal tradition behind Impetigore, a film that begins in a toll booth and ends in generational damnation. And The Medium, with its immersive mockumentary format, challenges our understanding of family, fate, and whether gods actually have your best interests at heart.What unites these films? An unnerving thesis: belief might not protect you—it might damn you. These aren't stories of good versus evil. They're stories about what happens when spiritual systems—old and new, global and local—overlap and collapse. And in the end, maybe the most terrifying realization is that all these spirits, deities, and curses… simply don't care what you believe.Join us this month as we stare into the spiritual void, question the value of ritual, and contemplate the horror of legacy itself.Film SundriesThe List on LetterboxdWatch the movies discussed:The Wailing: Apple • Amazon • LetterboxdImpetigore: Apple • Amazon • LetterboxdThe Medium: Apple • Amazon • Letterboxd (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark (02:19) - Asian Horror with Andy! (15:13) - The Wailing (31:21) - Impetigore (49:27) - The Medium Support The Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Become a member for just $5/month or $55/yearJoin our Discord community of movie loversThe Next Reel Family of Film Podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkConnect With Us:Main Site: WebMovie Platforms: Letterboxd | FlickchartSocial Media: Facebook | Instagram | Threads | Bluesky | YouTube | PinterestYour Hosts: Kyle | Kynan | Pete | TommyShop & Stream:Merch Store: Apparel, stickers, mugs & moreWatch Page: Buy/rent films we've discussedOriginals: Source material from our episodesSpecial offers: Letterboxd Pro/Patron discount | Audible

We like to think the workplace is a place of routine—a clock in, clock out kind of world. But for many immigrants, and for the employers who hire them, work has become a legal maze. Today, we look at what it means to operate in the shadow of ICE, to lead in the face of changing rules, and to humanize the labor force behind the policy headlines. Welcome to this special episode of Human Solutions: Simplifying HR for People who Love HR from AIM HR Solutions. I'm Pete Wright, and today, we're pulling back the curtain on one of the most misunderstood and under-discussed aspects of the American workplace: immigration. Our focus is on just policy, sure. But even more important: it's people. It's fear. It's the daily decisions business leaders have to make without a clear map. Joining us to help navigate this are two remarkable experts: Ana Cristina Chavez, Corporate Engagement Specialist at MIRA, and AIM's Senior Vice President Employer Services Terry Cook.Links & NotesGovernor's Office Guidance for Employers Regarding Immigration and Work AuthorizationNew Americans in MassachusettsNational Immigration Law Center • What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your WorkplaceModel Workplace Policy for Responding to Immigration and Customs enforcement • Asian Americans Advancing Justice AIM HR Solutions Training CatalogAIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

Memory isn't just about recall — it's about learning, encoding, storing, and retrieving information in ways that actually work with your brain. In this conversation, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer continue the ADHD in College series with returning guest Dr. Daniella Karidi, diving deep into the practical study strategies that help students and adults build lasting memory.From note-taking that actually supports learning, to strategies for sleep, nutrition, and asking for help, Daniella lays out a roadmap that makes studying less overwhelming and more effective. Whether you're heading into a new semester, studying for certification, or just trying to remember what's in that self-help book you just read, this episode gives you tools that can help you work with your ADHD brain — not against it.Links & NotesJoin Focus on ADHD Books | BookclubsSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (02:55) - Daniella Karidi, Ph.D. (05:47) - Predicting Success in College (22:08) - The Classroom Experience (29:39) - Repetition and Finding Distinction in Information (41:13) - Energy (45:59) - Asking for Help

This is A Fan-Favorite Rerun EpisodeIn this inspiring episode, I'm joined by two incredible guests, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, the dynamic duo behind the new book, Unapologetically ADHD. With decades of combined experience in coaching, podcasting, and living with ADHD, Pete and Nikki share their unique journey of co-authoring their book and the lessons they've learned about failure, success, and working together as a team. We dive into their podcasting journey, strategies for navigating big projects, and how they've redefined ADHD productivity with compassion and practicality.Nikki Kinzer is a professional certified ADHD coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF). She's been coaching adults with ADHD since 2010 and has built a business around supporting the ADHD community through coaching, teaching, and podcasting. She lives with her husband, Brad, in Springfield, Oregon. Pete Wright was diagnosed with ADHD when he was 28 and has spent the better part of his life since then studying and podcasting about his lived ADHD experience. He is a professional podcaster and co-founder of the TruStory FM podcast network. He's a former journalist, educator, and public relations executive and lives with his wife, Kira, in Portland, Oregon. Episode Highlights:[0:00] - Pete reflects on reprogramming how we view failure.[0:44] - Introducing Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer, their backgrounds, and the new book.[2:35] - The origins of their podcast and the magic of their partnership.[7:15] - Nikki's journey into ADHD coaching and the transition to focusing on ADHD clients.[13:20] - Pete's perspective on working with a professional organizer and managing ADHD.[17:03] - How their second book came to life and what made the process smoother.[22:22] - Strategies they used to tackle challenges during the writing process.[29:01] - Key takeaways from Unapologetically ADHD for managing big projects.[37:37] - Pete's deep dive into routines, executive function, and strategic friction.[43:12] - Final reflections: reframing failure and embracing being unapologetically ADHD. Links & ResourcesVisit Pete and Nikki's website: takecontroladhd.comOrder their book, Unapologetically ADHD: https://takecontroladhd.com/adhdbook Listen to their podcast: Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast wherever you get your podcasts. https://takecontroladhd.com/the-adhd-podcast Thank you for tuning into "SuccessFULL with ADHD." If this episode has impacted you, remember to rate, follow, share, and review our podcast. Your support helps us reach and help more individuals navigating their journeys with ADHD. 

AI is already showing up in HR, whether it's writing job posts, drafting performance reviews, or powering employee chatbots. But when does it actually help, and when does it cross the line into risk? In this episode of Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with Kyle Pardo and Terry Cook to talk through the real-world ways AI is being used in HR today—and the very real challenges it brings with it.Kyle shares where AI shines in everyday workflows—first drafts, checklists, and summarizing feedback—while Terry highlights the legal and ethical traps that can follow, from biased algorithms in recruiting to compliance errors that could land an employer in hot water. Together, they unpack why “human in the loop” isn't just a catchphrase, but the key to making sure AI adds value without undermining trust.The conversation also digs into guardrails every HR team should be thinking about: data security, identity verification, and building living AI policies that evolve with the technology. Whether you're experimenting with new tools or worried about shadow AI use in your company, this episode offers a grounded look at how HR leaders can embrace the benefits while avoiding the pitfalls.Links & NotesAIM HR Solutions Training CatalogAIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. AIM HR Solutions offers supervisor training and reasonable suspicion training, for more information visit our website at www.AIMHRSolutions.com AIM HR Solutions Training CatalogAIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

Navigating Modern Divorce: Technology, Communication, and Moving ForwardIn this listener Q&A episode of How to Split a Toaster, divorce attorney Seth Nelson and host Pete Wright tackle pressing questions about divorce in the digital age. The discussion covers everything from managing electronic communications with ex-partners to the challenges of relocation and new relationships.Digital Age Divorce ChallengesThe hosts explore how technology has transformed divorce and co-parenting, addressing concerns about constant communication through phones and co-parenting apps. Seth provides practical strategies for setting boundaries while maintaining necessary contact, especially regarding court-ordered response times and children's FaceTime calls.Legal Considerations and Personal GrowthThe conversation shifts to critical legal topics like relocation, annulments, and protecting oneself in future relationships. Seth emphasizes the importance of consulting local jurisdiction laws while offering insights on navigating high-conflict situations and managing communication effectively.Mental Health and Moving ForwardA significant portion focuses on the value of mental health support before, during, and after divorce. The hosts discuss how emotional work can positively impact custody arrangements and co-parenting relationships, while emphasizing the importance of setting healthy boundaries.Key Insights:• Set clear communication boundaries through co-parenting apps and scheduled check-ins• Consider mental health support early in the divorce process to improve outcomes• Protect yourself legally and emotionally in future relationships through careful planningThe episode provides practical guidance for managing modern divorce challenges while maintaining focus on healthy relationships and effective co-parenting. Listeners gain valuable insights from both legal and personal growth perspectives, helping them navigate their divorce journey more effectively.For anyone facing divorce in today's interconnected world, this episode offers essential strategies for managing technology, protecting their interests, and maintaining healthy boundaries while prioritizing children's well-being.Links & NotesRead BIFF: Quick Responses to High-Conflict People, Their Personal Attacks, Hostile Email and Social Media Meltdowns by Bill EddyTune in to It's All Your Fault: The Hight Conflict People podcast with Bill Eddy and Megan HunterSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Question One (06:39) - Question Two (09:27) - Questions Three and Four (16:42) - Question Five (19:12) - Question Six (22:02) - Question Seven (25:07) - Question Eight (25:52) - Question Nine (29:38) - Wrap Up

The Film Board assembles to break down Fantastic Four: First Steps, Marvel's bold leap into retro sci-fi parenthood. With Pedro Pascal stretching into Reed Richards and Vanessa Kirby shining as Sue Storm, the MCU skips the origin story to explore cosmic ethics, vintage flair, and a planet-hungry Galactus. Does skipping the intro pay off? How does a family of adventurers fit into a superhero universe? And is The Incredibles still the best Fantastic Four movie ever made?Pete Wright hosts the panel with Kyle Olson, Rob Kubasko, and Matthew Fox as they debate whether this is a sequel to a film we never got, if Silver Surfer stole the show, and what the MCU's multiversal reset might mean for this corner of the timeline. Plus: theology, parenting ethics, synagogue scenes, Herbie the robot, unstable molecules, and the Reed Richards car seat challenge.

Dracula may never stay dead, but his film incarnations sure evolve—or devolve—across decades. In this episode, Kyle Olson guides Pete Wright, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III through three flavors of Dracula: Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992), Dracula 2000, and Dracula Untold.They dig into Coppola's sweaty gothic melodrama, where Oldman chews the scenery and Keanu Reeves gets chewed out. Then it's on to Dracula 2000, where Gerard Butler's vampire has some serious history, and finally Dracula Untold, where Luke Evans broods his way through a Marvel-ified antihero origin story.The team debates: Is Dracula sexy? Is he even supposed to be? Is he best as a metaphor for carnal desire, theological vengeance, or medieval honor? And what happens when you declaw the monster in hopes of building a cinematic universe?Kyle signs off with a legacy worthy of the Count himself, and Tommy reveals next month's theme: rug-pulling horror films with Barbarian, Strange Darling, and the legendary British TV special Ghostwatch.Film SundriesThe List on LetterboxdWatch the movies discussed:Bram Stoker's Dracula: Apple • Amazon • LetterboxdDracula 2000: Apple • Amazon • LetterboxdDracula Untold: Apple • Amazon • LetterboxdThe Drac Pack (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark (08:41) - Bram Stoker's Dracula (34:41) - Dracula 2000 (50:36) - Dracula Untold (01:09:11) - The Drac Pack (01:15:44) - But Kyle promised immortality! (01:17:42) - Coming Attractions Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel's family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel's family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here's where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we've discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we've discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

What do you do when the most emotionally complicated part of your divorce isn't your ex, your kids, or even the lawyer sitting across the table—but your living room? On this episode of How to Split a Toaster, family law attorney Seth Nelson and Pete Wright explore the profound entanglement between memory and materiality in divorce, with guest Nanette Murphy—a certified divorce and life transition coach who specializes in helping women navigate separation after long-term marriage.Nanette brings a compassionate, lived-in expertise to the topic of shared spaces—how the family home, often the most contested asset, transforms into a symbol of what was, and what needs to be left behind. The conversation unpacks how emotional attachment to a home can cloud decision-making, stretch finances, and stall healing. From repainting walls to rerouting your daily path through the kitchen, Nanette offers strategies to reclaim space—both literally and psychologically.Seth adds the critical legal perspective, offering insight into when it makes financial sense to keep the house, when to walk away, and how to ensure you're not mortgaging your future just to hold onto your past. And Pete probes the deeper question: is your desire to stay rooted in care, or control? Together, the trio explores how to break up with your home, make peace with your stuff, and move forward with purpose.Key InsightsLetting go of the home can unlock emotional and financial freedomRedefining physical space helps rewire emotional memoryDivorce coaching prepares clients to approach legal decisions with clarityThis episode is for anyone facing the wrenching choice of what to take—and what to leave behind—when your relationship ends but your memories remain. Divorce isn't just a legal process. It's a spatial one. A sensory one. And sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is move your pizza cutter to a new drawer.Links & NotesNanette Murphy: Live Life Now With PurposeSecond Act: Navigating Gray Divorce (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (09:31) - Ghosts in the Home (20:15) - Ghosts and Your Attorney (26:24) - Learn More

We missed an episode! No, it doesn't happen often. But sometimes life kicks you in the sniffles. Here we are without an attorney and, as the old saying goes, "what's a podcast if we don't have an attorney?" I'm sure someone said that. In any case, thanks for being here and we'll see you next week!

The Film Board Gathers! And this time… it's for Superman. Yes, again. James Gunn has rebooted the Big Blue Boy Scout for the 37th time (give or take), and this version comes with a sunnier tone, a superpowered dog, and—brace yourself—feelings. Actual feelings.David Corenswet slips into the tights with impressive sincerity, Rachel Brosnahan delivers the Lois Lane we didn't know we desperately needed, and Nicholas Hoult's Lex Luthor is basically what would happen if Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk had a baby, and that baby grew up to weaponize STEM fairs and jealousy. It's weird. It's bright. It's shockingly heartfelt. And yes, there's a kaiju fight.Pete Wright, Kyle Olson, Rob Kubasko, Ocean Murff, and Tommy Metz III tackle it all—like the ethics of punching countries, the physics of pocket universes, and the sheer audacity of making Jimmy Olsen a ladies' man. One of them cried, one of them gave it five stars, and one of them may never emotionally recover from the Siberian super-gulag.Also discussed: Silver Age comic book weirdness, the trauma of seeing Superman bleed, why Supergirl is a lush, and whether this movie actually pulled off the impossible—making DC fun again without being a total mess.Links & Notes

Moving Forward: Understanding Second Marriages and Divorce StigmaFamily law attorney Seth Nelson and Pete Wright welcome guest Kara Chrobak to explore the complexities of second marriages and divorce stigma. Chrobak, a Colorado-based family law attorney specializing in high-net-worth cases, brings valuable insights into how society's views on multiple marriages impact relationship decisions.The conversation examines why prenuptial agreements become increasingly important in subsequent marriages, particularly when children from previous relationships are involved. Seth explains how prenups can actually demonstrate commitment rather than distrust by allowing couples to thoughtfully plan their financial future.The hosts and Chrobak dive into estate planning considerations across multiple marriages, addressing how life insurance policies, beneficiary designations, and asset distribution become more complex with each relationship transition. They explore practical solutions like aliquot reductions in life insurance policies to balance obligations to current and former spouses.Key Insights:Prenuptial agreements can protect children from previous marriages while allowing couples to build shared assetsEstate planning requires careful coordination between divorce agreements and current relationship needsSetting healthy relationship boundaries should be celebrated rather than stigmatizedThe conversation reinforces that divorce—whether first, second, or subsequent—doesn't represent failure but rather demonstrates the courage to make healthy choices. Listeners gain practical insights into navigating complex legal and emotional terrain while maintaining focus on building positive future relationships.Links & NotesConnect with Kara on LinkedInSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Second Marriages and Beyond (01:22) - The Stigma of Multiple Divorces (06:15) - Cultural Shift (08:54) - Navigating the Traditionalist Shame (12:11) - Learning from Celebrity Divorces (15:50) - Pre- and Post-Nups (25:30) - Keeping Things Updated (27:08) - Estate Management (28:57) - Aliquat Reductions (35:34) - Boundaries (37:43) - Finding Kara (38:28) - Wrap Up

The gang of thugs dons their most practical jungle gear and reluctantly boards the biotech boat for Gareth Edwards' Jurassic World Rebirth. Scarlett Johansson leads a mission to harvest dinosaur DNA in what Universal hopes is the beginning of a new trilogy—but does this franchise still have life in its genetic code, or has it gone full dino-extinct?In this episode, Pete Wright, Steve Sarmento, Tommy Metz III, Justin “JJ” Jaeger, and Mandy Kaplan unpack everything from ADR overload and missing velociraptors to why this script might have been written by a chatty AI trained exclusively on soft reboots and midday sarcasm. They examine the film's visual flatness, its confused tone, the tragic misuse of Mahershala Ali, and the shocking absence of smart kids—the emotional compass of the good Jurassic movies.There's plenty of laughter, frustration, and jalapeño cheddar popcorn as the panel debates whether the soul of this franchise can ever be resurrected. Spoiler alert: if dinosaurs had a peanut allergy, this movie would be their Snickers bar.Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or Amazon, or find other places at JustWatchTheatrical trailerLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel's family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel's family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here's where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFlickchartCheck out poster artwork for movies we've discussed on our Pinterest pagePeteJJOceanSteveTommyAndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we've discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we've discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

Navigating Emotional Avoidance in DivorceIn this illuminating episode of How to Split a Toaster, family law attorney Seth Nelson and Pete Wright explore emotional avoidance during divorce with expert guest Dr. Michelle Maidenberg, a specialist in mindfulness and emotional resilience.Understanding Values in ConflictDr. Maidenberg explains how our core values shape divorce decisions and reactions. Values aren't just what we claim to prioritize—they reveal themselves through our actions and emotional triggers. When two values conflict, such as financial security versus family time, the resulting tension often drives divorce disputes.Breaking Down Emotional AvoidanceThe conversation delves into how emotional avoidance manifests during divorce proceedings. Dr. Maidenberg describes various avoidance tactics people employ, from repression to distraction, while explaining how these coping mechanisms can ultimately hinder healing and resolution.Practical Tools for Emotional RegulationDr. Maidenberg introduces therapeutic approaches including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) for managing divorce-related trauma and anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of finding the right therapeutic relationship and approach for individual needs.Key Insights:Identify conflicting core values to better understand emotional reactions during divorceSet appropriate boundaries around communication to maintain emotional stabilityWork with qualified professionals to develop personalized coping strategiesThe Role of Professional SupportThe episode highlights how legal counsel and mental health professionals can work together to support clients through divorce. Seth Nelson shares practical strategies for managing difficult communications, while Dr. Maidenberg offers therapeutic perspectives on processing divorce-related emotions.Plus, the conversation explores how different therapeutic modalities—from CBT to mindfulness-based approaches—can help individuals navigate divorce's emotional challenges while staying true to their values.This episode provides valuable insights for anyone seeking to better understand and manage their emotional responses during divorce, while offering practical tools for maintaining stability throughout the legal process.Links & NotesFind Michelle on her website, LinkedIn, X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeCheck out Michelle's book “Ace Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and Live the Life You Want”Schedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Meet Dr. Michelle Maidenberg (01:01) - Emotional Avoidance (02:18) - Formative Values (06:36) - When in Distress (07:54) - In the Divorce Process (10:13) - Dealing with Fear (12:10) - Conflict of Values (16:56) - Values Charting (17:59) - Learning to Self-Regulate (23:19) - EMDR (27:20) - Finding the Right Therapist (29:36) - Finding Michelle (31:19) - Wrap Up

There aren't many practitioners writing about today's topic. Unless, that is, you look up the collected works of Dr. Bill Dodson. Dr. Dodson is an award-winning board-certified psychiatrist and specialist in adult ADHD and his contributions to the study of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria bring him to the show today. According to Dr. Dodson, nearly all those living with ADHD live with some level of rejection sensitivity, and thanks to the poor training on the ADHD connections to the condition, patients are going misdiagnosed and mistreated as a result.Today on the show, Dr. Dodson joins Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright to discuss Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and provide new language to frame a state those living with ADHD know all too well.About Dr. William DodsonDr. Bill Dodson is a award-winning board-certified psychiatrist and specialist in adult ADHD. While Dr. Dodson has been on the faculties of Georgetown University and the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center he is primarily a clinical practitioner who tries to combine evidence-based practice techniques with practice-based evidence.  In addition to being named a Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, and recipient of the national Maxwell J. Schleifer Award for Distinguished Service to Persons with Disabilities, Dr. Dodson is one of two experts from the US to the World Anti-Doping program for the development of guidelines for the use of ADHD stimulant medications in the world's athletes.Links & NotesDr. William Dodson at Additudemag.com (00:00) - Welcome to The ADHD Podcast (02:24) - Become a Member of The ADHD Community (04:28) - Introducing Dr. William Dodson (05:53) - What is Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria? (10:59) - Defining Characteristics of RSD? (13:37) - Mental health trends (17:23) - RSD and Imposter Syndrome (20:15) - RSD and Gender (25:45) - Treatment paths for RSD (34:14) - RSD and ADHD Coaching (43:44) - Finding Dr. Dodson ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Healing After Betrayal—A Guide for Co-ParentsDivorce attorney Seth Nelson and co-host Pete Wright welcome relationship coach and betrayal trauma expert Mr. Jay for an insightful discussion about healing and co-parenting after profound betrayal. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience, Mr. Jay helps people navigate from devastating betrayal to healing, offering unique perspectives on how this specific trauma affects every aspect of life.The conversation explores what makes betrayal trauma distinct from other forms of trauma—particularly how it reshapes not just our present and future, but also our understanding of the past. Seth and Pete dive deep into practical strategies for managing ongoing relationships with former spouses when children are involved, while Mr. Jay shares powerful insights about healing personal wounds first. The discussion covers everything from financial betrayals to infidelity, examining how different types of betrayal trauma affect co-parenting relationships and personal recovery.Questions we answer in this episode:How is betrayal trauma different from other life challenges?What steps can I take to co-parent effectively after betrayal?How do I protect my emotional health while dealing with a betrayer?Key Takeaways:Healing requires addressing both current wounds and past traumaSelf-love and boundary-setting are crucial for emotional recoveryEffective co-parenting starts with personal healingThe episode provides essential insights for anyone struggling with betrayal during or after divorce, offering practical tools for healing while maintaining necessary relationships for the children's sake. Mr. Jay's approach emphasizes personal growth and self-care as fundamental steps toward building a healthy post-divorce life.Links & NotesVisit Mr. Jay's websiteFind Mr. Jay on Instagram, X, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, or his other linksCheck out Mr. Jay's journalSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:31) - Mr. Jay and Betrayal Trauma (01:43) - Mr. Jay's Background (05:40) - Defining Betrayal Trauma (08:28) - Trauma vs. Betrayal Trauma (10:47) - What If You Still Care? (14:01) - Affecting the Past as Well (18:28) - Co-Parenting (21:23) - Healing for You (22:53) - Admitting It (23:44) - Define what forgiveness means to you (28:14) - Getting Better Equipped (32:30) - Asking the Hard Questions (33:30) - Wrap Up

Faith, Family Law, and Finding Peace: Understanding Catholic AnnulmentsIn this enlightening episode, divorce attorney Seth Nelson and Pete Wright welcome Father David Mowry, a Roman Catholic priest and assistant professor at the University of St. Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois. With the recent election of Pope Leo XIV (the first American-born Pope), the conversation explores the intersection of Catholic faith and family law, specifically focusing on the church's approach to marriage, divorce, and annulments.Seth and Pete dive deep into the Catholic Church's perspective on marriage as both a sacred covenant and a legal institution. Father Mowry explains how annulments differ fundamentally from civil divorces, detailing the extensive process and support systems the Church has in place. The discussion reveals how the Church's approach to failed marriages isn't about finding loopholes, but rather about determining whether a true marriage existed in the first place according to Catholic teaching.Questions we answer in this episode:How does a Catholic annulment differ from a civil divorce?What happens if one spouse refuses to participate in the annulment process?How does the Church support children whose parents are going through divorce?Key Takeaways:The Catholic Church views marriage as a permanent covenant—annulments determine if a valid marriage ever existedAnnulment processes include extensive pastoral and legal support systemsLocal priests serve as initial guides but specialized Church courts handle the formal proceedingsThis episode offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating the complex intersection of faith and divorce. Whether you're Catholic or simply interested in understanding different approaches to marriage dissolution, Father Mowry's explanation of the Church's compassionate yet structured approach to failed marriages provides a fascinating perspective on healing and moving forward.Links & NotesLearn more about Father David Mowry on his websiteSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:27) - Meet Father David Mowry (04:31) - Catholic Annulments vs. Divorce (05:16) - Civil vs. Church Law Around Marriage (12:20) - Annulments – The Loophole (18:05) - What the Church Looks at (20:27) - Counter to Catholic Thinking? (23:08) - A Way to Set People Free (24:06) - Unwlling Participant (25:46) - When It's Contested (27:34) - Appeals Process (28:15) - Judges (31:50) - Emotional Infrastructure (36:55) - Working with the Kids (41:31) - Where the Job Begins and Ends (45:06) - Historical Records (46:47) - Pete's Story (48:35) - Wrap Up

Mastering Stoic Empathy During and After DivorceDivorce attorney Seth Nelson and co-host Pete Wright welcome leadership expert and author Shermin Kruse to explore how combining stoicism with empathy can transform the divorce experience. Kruse, who grew up in war-torn Iran before becoming a lawyer and author, brings unique insights on maintaining emotional control while staying attuned to others' perspectives during high-conflict situations.Seth and Pete dive deep into practical applications of stoic empathy—from courtroom strategies to co-parenting interactions. The conversation explores how intentional discomfort practice builds resilience, while cognitive empathy helps navigate challenging relationships. Kruse shares powerful examples from her personal journey and professional experience, demonstrating how these principles can help anyone handle difficult conversations and negotiations more effectively. The discussion particularly focuses on how divorcing couples can maintain their authentic selves while managing conflict constructively.Questions we answer in this episode:How can I stay calm and focused when dealing with a hostile ex-spouse?What practical exercises help build emotional resilience during divorce?How do I balance being strong with staying empathetic in co-parenting?Key Takeaways:Practice discomfort in safe settings to build emotional controlUse active listening and pausing to better understand others' perspectivesRemember your responses are in your control, even when others' actions aren'tThis episode offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating divorce or high-conflict relationships. Kruse's blend of philosophical wisdom and practical experience provides actionable strategies for maintaining composure while building stronger post-divorce relationships.Links & NotesFind Sher on her website, LinkedIn, Instagram, or FacebookTune in to Sher's podcast Stoic EmpathyCheck out Sher's book Stoic EmpathySchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Shermin Kruse and Stoic Empathy (02:07) - What Is Stoic Empathy? (06:06) - The Practice of Stoicism (14:03) - Working on Empathy (20:08) - In the Divorce Process (32:43) - After Divorce (36:26) - Sher's Book

Wes Anderson's The Phoenician Scheme crash-lands into theaters with a symmetry—and we're here to unpack the wreckage. Benicio Del Toro plays Anatole “Zsa-Zsa” Korda, a morally exhausted arms dealer who survives a plane crash and decides, rather abruptly, to become a better man. His daughter, a nun (played with unsettling calm by Mia Threapleton), may be his salvation. Or his reckoning. Or both. Along for the ride: Michael Cera as a soft-spoken entomologist, a council of multinational bureaucrats with murderous intent, and Bill Murray as God (in grayscale, naturally).Pete Wright hosts this morally ambiguous briefing with fellow operatives Tommy Metz III and Steve Sarmento, as they parse Anderson's most spiritually ambitious and physically violent film to date. There are questions—big ones. Is this Cain and Abel by way of a TWA departure lounge? Why does forgiveness feel like a conference call?We dig into the film's sumptuous craft, its emotional architecture, and the performances that hold it all together with linen thread and murmured apologies. If you've ever wanted to see a man seek redemption through dinner parties, aerial espionage, and awkward family reunions, this one's for you.Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or find other places at JustWatchTheatrical trailerLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel's family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel's family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here's where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFlickchartCheck out poster artwork for movies we've discussed on our Pinterest pagePeteJJOceanSteveTommyAndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we've discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we've discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

David Lynch's Dark Suburban MasterpieceJoin hosts Krissy Lenz and Nathan Blackwell with special guests Andy Nelson and Pete Wright as they dive into David Lynch's controversial classic Blue Velvet (1986), a film that exposed the dark underbelly beneath idyllic small-town America.When college student Jeffrey Beaumont (Kyle MacLachlan) discovers a severed ear in a field, he's drawn into a twisted mystery involving nightclub singer Dorothy Vallens (Isabella Rossellini) and the terrifying Frank Booth (Dennis Hopper). The hosts explore how Lynch creates a jarring contrast between 1950s suburban aesthetics and the disturbing criminal world that exists beneath the surface.The panel discusses how Blue Velvet serves as Lynch's most accessible work while still containing his signature surrealism. Unlike his later films that abandon traditional narrative structure, Blue Velvet follows a relatively straightforward detective story, making it an excellent entry point for viewers new to Lynch's filmography. The film's lasting impact can be seen in later works like Twin Peaks, which further developed many of the themes and visual styles first explored here.Dennis Hopper's unhinged performance as Frank Booth remains one of cinema's most memorable villains, with the hosts noting how Hopper reportedly told Lynch, "I am Frank Booth," when accepting the role that many actors had turned down due to its disturbing nature.Topics Discussed:The film's juxtaposition of 1950s idealism with 1980s darknessLynch's signature visual style and sound design techniquesThe voyeuristic themes and Jeffrey's seduction by darknessIsabella Rossellini's haunting performance as Dorothy VallensHow Blue Velvet compares to Lynch's other worksThe famous "Pabst Blue Ribbon" sceneLynch's influence on subsequent filmmakers and mediaEach host's rating of the film (on a scale of Pabst Blue Ribbons)The episode concludes with deep-cut recommendations including The Reflecting Skin (1990), John Cheever's short story "The Swimmer," and the video games Alan Wake and Control - all works that share thematic or stylistic elements with Lynch's universe.Whether you're a Lynch devotee or curious newcomer, this episode offers fascinating insights into a film that continues to disturb and captivate audiences over three decades after its release. --We couldn't do this without your support of The Most Excellent 80s Movies Podcast! Thank you!Join now for: $5/Month • $55/year • Learn More

Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Divorce: A Guide to Repair and HealingSeth Nelson, a Tampa divorce attorney, and Pete Wright explore the complex journey of repentance and repair during divorce with special guest Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author of "On Repentance and Repair: Making Amends in an Unapologetic World." Rabbi Ruttenberg brings ancient Jewish wisdom to modern relationship challenges, offering insights into healing and growth when marriages end.The conversation dives deep into what true repair means in divorce, exploring the difference between reconciliation and healing. Seth and Pete discuss with Rabbi Ruttenberg her five-step framework for meaningful repentance, examining how these principles apply specifically to divorce situations. The discussion illuminates how personal accountability and genuine healing can occur even when one party refuses to participate in the repair process, and explores the impact of this work on co-parenting relationships.Questions we answer in this episode:Can you heal from divorce without receiving an apology from your ex?How do you move forward when the other person won't take accountability?What role does personal accountability play in divorce healing?Key Takeaways:True healing requires owning your part, regardless of the other person's actionsThe five steps of repentance provide a practical framework for divorce healingModeling accountability and repair helps children navigate divorce impacts betterThis episode offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating divorce or its aftermath. Rabbi Ruttenberg's framework, combined with Seth's legal expertise and Pete's facilitation, creates a powerful roadmap for personal growth and healing during one of life's most challenging transitions.Links & Noteslifeisasacredtext.com Get Rabbi Ruttenberg's book “On Repentance and Repair”Schedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Meet Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg (03:47) - Repair in the Context of Divorce (05:06) - When the Other Party Won't Engage (06:50) - Doing Your Work (11:24) - Needing to Face the Music Together (13:00) - Steps of Repentance (17:56) - Readiness for Change (19:08) - From the Legal Perspective (21:42) - Blame (24:48) - Learning Better Ways to Communicate (27:56) - Repentance Around the Kids (30:33) - When Kids Become a Focus (34:38) - Finding Peace (36:24) - Wrapping Up

Pete Wright hosts a brutally personal Mother's Day episode of Sitting in the Dark, joined by regular co-conspirators Kyle Olson, Kynan Dias, and Tommy Metz III, as they dig into three films that ask a profoundly unsettling question: What if Mom is the monster?We start with Run (2020), a film that's more “Lifetime original” than it has any right to be. It's clean, tight, and distressingly effective. Sarah Paulson's performance is terrifying not because she twirls her mustache but because she doesn't have one. And newcomer Kiera Allen rolls (yes, rolls) away with the movie by doing exactly what her character does best—staying two clever steps ahead.Next, Goodnight Mommy (2014). Austrian, austere, and absolutely harrowing. It's a film about maternal misrecognition, grief-fueled delusion, and the dangers of not labeling your twins' toothbrushes. There's a twist, and if you see it coming, that won't make the third act any less of a gut punch. It's what happens when grief curdles, and no one's left to explain bedtime.And then: mother! (2017). Darren Aronofsky's symphonic descent into allegorical madness. Sure, it's “about” the Bible. It's also about climate change. It's about patriarchy, artistic ego, and the cosmic price of hospitality. Or maybe it's just a guy on a cocaine bender writing a play he'll never finish. Whether you think it's pretentious or profound (hint: it's both), one thing is clear—Jennifer Lawrence earns every ounce of your attention and maybe a few gallons of blood.Across these three films, the panel explores how motherhood in horror isn't just about nurture gone wrong. It's about architecture—both of the home and the psyche. It's about women who are worshipped, consumed, blamed, and erased. And yes, sometimes it's about cockroaches.Films Discussed:Run (2020) – dir. Aneesh ChagantyGoodnight Mommy (2014) – dir. Veronika Franz & Severin Fialamother! (2017) – dir. Darren AronofskyComing AttractionsFor Pride Month, Kynan's curating a trio of queer-coded and queer-explicit horror: from the monstrous repression of Nightmare on Elm Street 2, to the camp and creaturehood of Bride of Frankenstein, to the raw queer body-horror ballet of Titane. You won't want to miss it.Film SundriesThe List on LetterboxdWatch the movies discussed:Run: Apple • Hulu • LetterboxdGoodnight Mommy: Apple • Amazon • Letterboxdmother!: Apple • Amazon • Letterboxd (00:00) - Welcome to Sitting in the Dark (08:05) - The Horror Bond of Motherhood (15:41) - Run (32:43) - Goodnight Mommy (49:39) - Mother! (01:09:49) - Coming attractions Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel's family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel's family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsThe Film BoardMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here's where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdPeteKyleTommyKynanWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we've discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we've discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

Protecting Your Kids Through Divorce: A Mental Health Expert's GuideSeth Nelson and Pete Wright welcome Dr. Larry Waldman, a psychologist with over four decades of clinical experience helping families navigate divorce. As the author of "Love Your Child More Than You Hate Your Ex," Dr. Waldman shares crucial insights on protecting children from trauma during divorce and maintaining healthy parent-child relationships through major life transitions.The conversation explores the often-invisible ways parents unknowingly traumatize their children during divorce, from erasing evidence of the other parent to making children emotional confidants. Dr. Waldman, Seth, and Pete discuss practical strategies for maintaining stability, fostering healthy co-parenting relationships, and ensuring children feel secure and supported throughout the divorce process. Their discussion weaves together psychological insights with legal considerations, offering a comprehensive guide for parents navigating this challenging transition.Questions we answer in this episode:How do parents unknowingly traumatize their children during divorce?What's the best way to handle transitions between homes?When should older children have input in scheduling decisions?Key Takeaways:Keep photos of both parents visible in children's spacesFocus on positive experiences during transitions between homesMaintain appropriate parent-child boundaries; don't make children confidantsThis episode provides essential guidance for any parent going through divorce, offering both practical strategies and deeper insights into protecting children's emotional well-being. Dr. Waldman's expertise, combined with Seth's legal perspective and Pete's facilitation, creates a valuable resource for maintaining healthy family relationships during and after divorce.Links & NotesGet Dr. Waldman's book “Love Your Child More Than You Hate Your Ex”Schedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:27) - Meet Larry Waldman (01:11) - Invisible Damage (04:48) - Damnatio Memoriae (06:15) - What Does Divorce Look Like to the Child? (08:47) - Making the Child a Confidant (09:32) - Weaponizing Your Kids in Court (10:30) - Someone New (12:19) - Stability and Security During the Divorce (15:26) - When They're Older (20:00) - Your Child Is the Focus (21:04) - When They Grow Up (22:22) - When They Come Back from the Other Parent's (23:59) - Using the Kid as a Scapegoat (25:51) - Larry's Book (27:16) - Demonstrating What's Most Important (29:38) - Wrap Up

Welcome to Season 10 of All the Feelings, where your hosts Pete Wright and Tommy Metz III take you on a guided tour of that weird liminal space between “I should know better by now” and “Why does filling out a W-2 feel like a personality test written by Kafka?”In this premiere episode, the subject is Money, starting with the slow-burning crisis of homeownership. Tommy—staunch apartment loyalist and occasional demon extractor—wonders if owning property is still the pinnacle of adult success, or just another gatekeeping tradition propped up by 1940s mortgage policy and peer pressure from ghosts. Pete, long-time homeowner and accidental handyman, walks us through the real cost of grass, siding, and painting things that no landlord will pay for.Then, it's Tax Time: the annual gauntlet where America's adults cosplay as accountants and hope they don't accidentally confess to fraud. If you've ever had to Google “What is MAGI?” and gotten answers involving sorcery or the Nativity, this episode is for you. Pete recounts his annual ritual of fiscal shame and digital form-filling dread, and Tommy offers a scathing comparison between the IRS and the HOV lane—both of which function primarily through fear.Along the way, we explore the emotional toll of systems that are designed to be opaque, the quiet panic of feeling unqualified to do basic grown-up things, and why the true cost of adulthood might just be your confidence. Spoiler: No one really knows what they're doing. Even Einstein.

De-escalating High-Conflict Divorce: A Rabbi's Perspective on Finding PeaceRabbi Avi Kahan joins Seth Nelson and Pete Wright to explore how de-escalation techniques and cultural sensitivity can help families reach sustainable resolutions during divorce. As a mediator handling complex religious and cultural divorce cases, Rabbi Kahan brings unique insights into managing high-conflict situations and helping couples transition from being spouses to successful co-parents.The conversation delves deep into how fear and conflict often mask deeper emotional struggles during divorce. Seth and Pete explore with Rabbi Kahan how the legal system's focus on "fairness" can sometimes escalate tensions, while religious and cultural perspectives might offer alternative paths to resolution. They discuss how divorce doesn't actually separate parents—it unifies them in a new way as co-parents, requiring them to articulate a new future together for their children's sake.Questions we answer in this episode:How can you de-escalate high-conflict divorce situations?What role does "fairness" really play in divorce proceedings?How can religious perspectives help in understanding divorce as transformation rather than failure?Key Takeaways:Focus on living your life, not your divorce—don't let temporary legal proceedings define your actionsDe-escalation often requires helping both parties want the divorce, not just need itCourt litigation can force parents to suppress their authentic selves, potentially harming childrenThe episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating a contentious divorce, especially those dealing with cultural or religious complexities. Rabbi Kahan's perspective on viewing divorce as a unifying rather than separating force provides a fresh framework for approaching this challenging life transition. Links & NotesVisit Rabbi Avi Kahan on the web, Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTubeSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Meet Rabbi Avi Kahan (01:15) - De-Escalation and Rabbi's Background (03:29) - In the Interpersonal Space (06:21) - Getting Them on the Same Page (09:51) - To Make Life Better Post-Divorce (10:42) - Decompressing the Proxy Battle (14:56) - Fairness (22:20) - Husband v. Wife, Father v. Mother (24:53) - Lack of Agency (27:46) - Escalation as Coping Mechanism (29:28) - Affecting the Children (33:12) - Preparing for Mediation and Litigation (36:59) - Wrap Up

Are you tired of superheroes who always do the right thing? Exhausted by teams that save the day and, dare we say it, have a plan? This month, The Film Board dives into Marvel's Thunderbolts—the super squad you get when you order the Avengers from the bargain bin. Pete Wright is joined by Mandy Kaplan, Justin Jaeger, Tommy Metz III, and Steve Sarmento for a roundtable that spoils everything, celebrates Florence Pugh's star turn, and debates whether more MCU movies should end with a hug instead of a fistfight.We dig into the surprising emotional depth, the ensemble's knack for both grounded action and found-family pathos, and a Taskmaster controversy that set the chat ablaze. The conversation covers what works for Marvel die-hards and superhero newbies alike, why Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman might be the new MVPs of the MCU, and how Jake Schreier's direction finds the sweet spot between earnest and absurd. Along the way, you'll hear our takes on trauma, group dynamics, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus's master class in playing Marvel's most maladaptive Nick Fury. This is a rare comic book movie that's as interested in grief and group therapy as it is in punching things.Film SundriesWatch this on Apple or find other places at JustWatchTheatrical trailerLetterboxd Learn how to support our show and The Next Reel's family of film podcasts by becoming a member. It's just $5 monthly or $55 annually. Learn more here.Follow the other podcasts in The Next Reel's family of film podcasts:Cinema Scope: Bridging Genres, Subgenres, and MovementsMovies We LikeThe Next Reel Film PodcastSitting in the DarkJoin the conversation with movie lovers from around the world in our Discord community!Here's where you can find us around the internet:The WebLetterboxdFlickchartCheck out poster artwork for movies we've discussed on our Pinterest pagePeteJJOceanSteveTommyAndyWhat are some other ways you can support us and show your love? Glad you asked!You can buy our movie-related apparel, stickers, mugs and more from our MERCH PAGE.Or buy or rent movies we've discussed on the show from our WATCH PAGE.Or buy books, plays, etc. that was the source for movies we've discussed on the show from our ORIGINALS PAGE.Or renew or sign up for a Letterboxd Pro or Patron account with our LETTERBOXD MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT.Or sign up for AUDIBLE.

Helping Kids Navigate Divorce with Parent Coach Danielle LindnerSeth Nelson and Pete Wright welcome parent coach and early childhood education expert Danielle Lindner to discuss how children process divorce and what parents can do to help them stay resilient. Lindner, author of "The Parent's Pocket Guide to Surviving the Preschool Years" and several children's books, specializes in helping families raise emotionally healthy kids while maintaining their own wellbeing during major life transitions.Seth and Pete explore key indicators that children might be struggling with divorce, often manifesting in behavior changes opposite to their typical personality. The discussion delves into positive parenting strategies during divorce—including the importance of consistency, emotional validation, and avoiding negative talk about the other parent. Lindner emphasizes the power of age-appropriate communication and explains how "scaffolding"—building supportive steps toward greater emotional agency—can help children develop resilience during challenging times.Questions we answer in this episode:How can you tell if your child is struggling with divorce beyond what they're telling you?When should you consider bringing in professional help for your children?How do you handle introducing new partners when kids express negative feelings?Key Takeaways:Maintain consistency and kindness across both householdsValidate children's feelings without overloading them with informationConsider early intervention with counseling—it's better to start early than wait for problemsThis episode provides practical, actionable advice for parents navigating divorce with young children. Whether you're just beginning the process or already co-parenting, Lindner's expertise offers valuable insights into supporting children's emotional health while maintaining positive family relationships during and after divorce.Links & NotesFind Danielle on her website, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTubeCheck out Danielle's booksSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Danielle Lindner and Positive Parenting (01:35) - First Signs a Child Is Struggling (06:01) - Myths Around Kids and Divorce (10:27) - Positive Parenting (11:57) - Coaching Parents (15:07) - Tools for Struggling Children (18:21) - Scaffolding (20:19) - Learning to Be Emotionally Resilient (22:12) - Social Media (26:35) - Third Parties (30:35) - Daily Reminder (33:23) - When to Use a Counselor (34:40) - Danielle's Book (38:27) - Wrap Up

Breaking Free from Toxic Family Patterns During DivorceIn this compelling episode, Seth Nelson and Pete Wright are joined by Jerry Wise, a family systems coach with over 45 years of experience helping people heal from dysfunctional and emotionally immature family dynamics. They explore how divorce often isn't the hardest part of ending a marriage—it's breaking free from the dysfunctional patterns that shaped you before you even got married.Seth and Pete dive deep with Jerry into the concept of emotional enmeshment and how it affects divorce proceedings and co-parenting relationships. They discuss practical strategies for recognizing when you're emotionally fused with your ex-spouse and techniques for breaking free from these patterns. The conversation takes fascinating turns as they explore how unresolved family-of-origin issues can impact current relationships and how to prevent passing these patterns to the next generation.Questions we answer in this episode:How do I know if I'm emotionally enmeshed with my ex?What can I do when I feel triggered by my ex's behavior?How do I protect my children from inheriting dysfunctional relationship patterns?Key Takeaways:Focus on yourself and your healing instead of blaming your exLearn to respond rather than react to triggering situationsWork on breaking unhealthy patterns before they affect your childrenThis episode offers invaluable insights for anyone navigating divorce or struggling with challenging family dynamics. Jerry's expertise, combined with Seth and Pete's practical legal and personal experience, provides listeners with actionable strategies for breaking free from toxic patterns and building healthier relationships moving forward.Links & NotesFind Jerry on his website, Instagram, or YouTubeCheck out Jerry's Road to Self programSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Jerry Wise and How to Divorce without Passing Down Toxic Patterns (02:37) - Lots of Things Affect Kids (04:21) - Enmeshment (07:49) - Getting Unmeshed (09:13) - Focus on Yourself (10:27) - Emotional and Legal Divorce (11:07) - Things You Can Do (16:23) - Breaking the Triggering Patterns (19:18) - Not All Feelings Are Equal (21:20) - Role Model for Kids (24:37) - Kids' Resilience (26:08) - Realizing You're Ready for Change (30:49) - Leaving Because... (32:09) - It's a Lot (33:14) - You Won't Always Feel This Way (35:27) - Marker 17 (39:18) - Wrap Up

Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright, authors of Unapologetically ADHD and hosts of Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, join me to talk about what it means to be neurodivergent—and how that can affect your ability to plan, prioritize, and follow through.We dive into the unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent brains, especially when it comes to health goals like meal planning, habit-building, and staying consistent with routines.Nikki and Pete share practical strategies that honor how your brain works, helping you create systems that feel supportive instead of overwhelming.Whether you've been diagnosed with ADHD or just like learning new strategies to help yourself, this episode offers a compassionate, actionable framework to help you move forward.Bio: Since 2010, certified ADHD coach, Nikki Kinzer, and professional podcaster, Pete Wright, have been the co-hosts of the award-winning podcast, “Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast”, speaking to adults with ADHD all over the globe.Over 30 seasons—and more than 600 episodes—Nikki and Pete continue to offer support and strategies for adults living with ADHD. And recently, they decided to write their first book, Unapologetically ADHD.Buy the book: https://a.co/d/9vILtc9Listen to the podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/taking-control-the-adhd-podcast/id368426151Tune in each week for practical, relatable advice that helps you feel your best and unlock your full potential. If you're ready to prioritize your health and level up every area of your life, you'll find the tools, insights, and inspiration right here. Buy Esther's Book: To Your Health - https://a.co/d/iDG68qUFollow Esther on TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@estheravantFollow Esther on IG - https://www.instagram.com/esther.avantLearn more about booking Esther to speak: https://www.estheravant.comLearn more about working with Esther: https://www.madebymecoaching.com/services

There's a particular moment—somewhere between noticing a scent that shouldn't be there and sitting someone down to talk about it—that HR becomes more than just policy. It becomes anthropology.This month on Human Solutions, Pete Wright sits down with Terry Cook and Tom Jones for a course in navigating the most uncomfortable corners of professional HR—body odor, domestic violence, and workplace impairment. But this isn't just an etiquette tutorial for the brave and the nose-sensitive. This is about the human—and legal—implications of what happens when our personal lives collide with professional expectations.How do you handle body odor without turning empathy into accusation? What does it mean when you suspect domestic violence, and the person across the desk trusts you enough to say, “Yes”? And where exactly is the line between suspicion and assumption when you think an employee might be impaired?This is an episode about silence—what it costs to break it, and what it costs when we don't. It's about the limits of policy and the power of institutional empathy. And it's about the people on the other end of the phone—the Terrys and Toms—who make it their job to sit with discomfort long enough to make something useful out of it.Because sometimes, the most powerful tool in your HR arsenal after a good policy is the courage to say, “Let's talk.”Links & NotesMassachusetts Domestic Violence Leave LawAIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277 or helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. AIM HR Solutions offers supervisor training and reasonable suspicion training, for more information visit our website at www.AIMHRSolutions.com  AIM members can reach the HR Helpline at 800-470-6277, online, or via email at helpline@aimnet.org for inquiries Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (EST). Email requests will be responded to within 24 hours. 

Shame is a formidable force—an emotional wildfire that can either illuminate our path to growth or consume us in cycles of self-blame. For individuals with ADHD, this complex emotion is often amplified, lingering far beyond its utility as a corrective signal. But why? And more importantly, how do we break free?This week on The ADHD Podcast, hosts Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer embark on an exploration of shame spirals with two powerhouse guests: James Ochoa, LPC, renowned ADHD pathfinder and author of Focused Forward: Navigating the Storms of Adult ADHD, and Dr. Nachi Felt, an ADHD specialist and professor at Columbia University where he teaches Psychopathology and helps direct the Cognition and Neuroscience Research Lab.Together, they dissect the neurobiology of shame, its insidious tendency to hijack our presence of mind, and the ways in which ADHD uniquely intensifies its grip. James and Nachi offer profound insights into the role of self-awareness, self-acceptance, and the often-overlooked power of resourcing—the practice of cultivating internal and external tools to navigate emotional turbulence.From the interplay of trauma and shame to the game-changing realization that the same agency that allows us to sit in shame also allows us to stand up and move forward, this conversation is both a course in emotional resilience and a rallying cry for self-compassion.With humor, wisdom, and a touch of Brooklyn-style candor, this episode invites you to challenge your inner narratives, embrace the possibility of rewriting your personal stories, and ultimately, reclaim your incredible sense of self-worth.Resources & Links:Take Control ADHD Discord CommunitySupport the Podcast on PatreonJames Ochoa's Work & BooksDr. Nachi Felt's ADHD ResourcesDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (01:09) - Support the Show! (03:37) - The Nature of Shame Spirals ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

For years, finance in higher education has worked quietly behind the scenes—essential, but rarely seen as a force for change. Budgets got balanced, reports got filed, and institutions moved forward... slowly. But what happens when that model starts to crack? When rising costs outpace tuition revenue, and the math that once worked no longer adds up?It's a moment of reckoning—and an opportunity.In this episode of Navigating Change, Pete Wright is joined by Michael Gower, Andrew Simpson, and Howard Teibel—three leaders who are reimagining what's possible when finance steps out of the back office and into the strategy room. They're not just managing numbers; they're reshaping mindsets.Together, they explore a bold idea: that financial health isn't just about closing budget gaps—it's about leadership, influence, and building a future-ready institution. Through the lens of the Rutgers University case study, they reveal how finance can become a catalyst for innovation rather than a barrier to it. They talk about navigating resistance, sparking breakthroughs, and embedding financial thinking into the DNA of decision-making.So what does it really take to shift from financial survival to sustainability? Can higher ed let go of outdated models before it's too late?This isn't just a conversation about money. It's about power, persuasion, and the future of higher education. Because the real question isn't whether universities can afford to change—it's whether they can afford not to.Links & NotesAdopting a Financial StrategyFinancial Strategy Policy

There's an inflection point when technology shifts from novelty to necessity. The printing press. The telephone. The internet. And now, artificial intelligence. For those with ADHD, the rise of AI presents an especially tantalizing paradox: a tool that promises to sharpen focus and streamline tasks, yet one that, if wielded carelessly, could just as easily become another source of distraction.In this episode of The ADHD Podcast, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer take us into the heart of the paradox. They begin with a simple but profound question: How do we make AI work for us, rather than the other way around?It starts with a refresher on prompt engineering—the art of structuring AI queries with precision. It's not unlike training a dog. Give vague instructions, and you'll get unpredictable results. But with the right prompts, AI can become an invaluable assistant, distilling complex information, organizing thoughts, and even generating study guides.But then comes the tension. The unease. The creeping realization that AI—like all powerful tools—has a darker side. What of the Paperclip Problem, a thought experiment that suggests AI, if left unchecked, could optimize itself into oblivion, consuming all available resources (including us) in its relentless pursuit of efficiency. Far out? There are those who argue not so far as you think.The conversation then shifts to the Goldilocks Zone—that elusive middle ground where AI enhances productivity without eroding autonomy. Pete shares his meticulously curated AI toolkit: Perplexity AI for research, Grammarly for writing, TextExpander for automation, and Adobe Voice Enhancer for audio clarity. Each tool, when used correctly, reduces cognitive load. But over-reliance? That's where the danger lies.By the end of the discussion, one thing becomes clear: AI is neither savior nor saboteur. It is a mirror, reflecting back the habits and intentions of its user. The question isn't whether AI will replace us—it won't. The real question is: Will we use AI to become more of who we are, or will we let it decide that for us?Links & NotesPerplexity AI – AI-powered research assistantPoe.com – Multi-model AI chat platformGrammarly – AI-enhanced writing assistantAdobe Voice Enhancer – AI-driven audio clarity toolCoda.io – AI-integrated database managementJoin our Discord communitySupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (02:22) - Prompt Engineering (12:08) - The Problem with AI (18:25) - The Goldilocks Zone (22:16) - Some Tools (25:19) - Gell-Mann Amnesia ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Artificial intelligence is everywhere—shaping how we work, think, and even how we manage our ADHD. But is AI a game-changing cognitive assistant or just another digital white whale primed to swallow our focus whole?This week, Pete Wright and his AI-curious co-pilot Nikki Kinzer embark on tour of ADHD and AI. With AI tools evolving at a dizzying pace, the duo explores how these technologies can either empower or derail neurodivergent minds.Throughout the episode, they share some of the tools making waves in the ADHD community, from AI-powered task managers like Motion and Reclaim to text-based assistants like ChatGPT and Claude. They also unpack the critical distinction between AI as a thought partner versus an unreliable oracle—one that is often confidently wrong.But AI isn't just about efficiency. Pete and Nikki probe the philosophical and ethical dilemmas AI presents: Is AI truly augmenting human potential, or are we handing over too much cognitive agency to machines?Links & NotesSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes DatabaseJoin the ADHD Discord communityExplore AI tools we talked about on the showMotion AIReclaim AITodoist AINotion AICodaPoe AIPerplexity AIBrain.fm (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (01:57) - Support the Show: Become A Patron! (03:51) - AI (08:21) - ADHD & Your AI Sidekick (11:53) - AI Models (18:38) - Sidebar: Perplexity AI (21:04) - AI Tools ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

In this special season finale episode of How to Split a Toaster, family law attorney Seth Nelson joins Pete Wright to wrap up their comprehensive "Your Divorce Case" series by tackling pressing listener questions. This episode marks the conclusion of Season 10, where they've guided listeners through every aspect of the divorce process, from initial consultation to appeals.The episode dives deep into real-world divorce scenarios submitted by listeners, covering everything from custody arrangements for children with ADHD to hidden cryptocurrency assets and international divorce complications. The discussion provides practical insights into how these situations are typically handled in the courtroom, while breaking down complex legal concepts into understandable terms. The conversation consistently emphasizes the importance of consulting with local counsel, as laws and procedures vary by jurisdiction.Questions we answer in this episode:How do courts typically handle parenting plans when parents disagree about medical treatment?What options exist when you suspect hidden financial assets?How are digital assets like cryptocurrency handled in divorce proceedings?Key Takeaways:Settlement opportunities can arise at any point during the divorce process - even during trialCourt orders and requirements vary significantly by jurisdictionDocumentation and proper legal counsel are crucial throughout the divorce processThis episode serves as both an excellent standalone resource for specific divorce questions and a fitting conclusion to the season-long examination of the divorce process. Whether you're just starting your divorce journey or looking for specific guidance on complex issues, this episode offers valuable insights into navigating the legal and emotional challenges of divorce.Links & NotesSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - Listener Questions (00:52) - Question One (03:11) - Question Two (04:09) - Question Three (04:52) - Question Four (06:58) - Question Five (08:44) - Question Six (10:44) - Question Seven (16:56) - Question Eight (19:48) - Question Nine (21:14) - Question Ten (24:20) - Question Eleven (29:05) - Question Twelve (31:57) - Question Thirteen (34:31) - Question Fourteen (36:33) - Question Fifteen (38:40) - Question Sixteen (40:08) - Question Seventeen (42:11) - Question Eighteen (45:49) - Question Nineteen (47:43) - Wrapping Up the Season (50:40) - Wrap Up

Navigating the Appeals Process in Divorce CasesContinuing our season-long Your Divorce Case series, Seth Nelson and Pete Wright welcome appellate attorney Ceci Berman to discuss what happens when divorce cases move to the appeals court. As a board-certified appellate practice attorney with extensive experience arguing before state and federal courts, Ceci brings deep expertise in family law appeals and complex commercial litigation.The appeals process works very differently from trial court, with strict timelines and procedures that must be followed. Seth and Pete explore with Ceci how appeals aren't simply "do-overs" of the original case, but rather reviews of whether the trial judge made legal errors in their decision. Through their conversation, they break down the machinery of appeals - from filing deadlines to oral arguments before a panel of judges - and discuss what clients should expect during what can be a lengthy process lasting anywhere from 9 months to 2 years.Questions we answer in this episode:What exactly is an appeal and how does it differ from the original trial?How long does the appeals process typically take?What happens if you win your appeal?Key Takeaways:You have just 30 days from the final judgment to file an appealAppeals are expensive and time-consuming - carefully consider if it's worth pursuingWinning your appeal means starting over - potentially with the same judge who ruled against you initiallyThis episode provides an invaluable look at a complex but crucial part of the divorce process that many people misunderstand. Whether you're considering an appeal or just want to better understand how the system works, Ceci's expert insights combined with Seth and Pete's practical experience make this an essential listen for anyone navigating divorce proceedings.Links & NotesCeci Berman – Brannock Berman & SeiderSchedule a consult with SethGot a question you want to ask on the show? Click here! (00:00) - Welcome to How to Split a Toaster (00:26) - The Appeal with Ceci Berman (01:55) - How Is It Different? (04:04) - Who Decides? (07:21) - Finality (08:21) - Triggers for an Appeal (13:57) - Preservation of Error (20:16) - Mechanics of an Appeal (27:48) - Three Judges (29:25) - Time to Get an Opinion (32:06) - What Your Role Is (35:21) - Juggling Relationships with Attorneys (36:24) - Stays (38:24) - Questioning Results (39:51) - Hard to Win (41:31) - Taking Time (43:39) - Expensive (45:24) - Wrap Up

What if the very quality that makes those early, intoxicating moments of romance so vibrant—the spontaneous weekend getaway, the surprise bouquet of flowers—later becomes the source of relationship friction? The human brain, particularly one wired with ADHD, contains multitudes of contradictions, and nowhere is this more evident than in how impulsivity shapes our intimate partnerships.This week on the show, relationship expert Melissa Orlov peels back the layers of impulsive behavior in ADHD relationships with Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer. Pete's personal confession—renting a convertible for a romantic coastal drive during courtship, then later purchasing an entire car during what should have been a routine oil change—illuminates the Jekyll-and-Hyde nature of impulsivity that Melissa has observed in thousands of couples."It came from somewhere," Melissa notes of impulsive words and actions that wound our partners. But where? The answer lies in a neurological tightrope walk between present-moment reward and long-term relationship consequences. The ADHD partner experiences the euphoria of now, while their significant other bears witness to the aftermath, creating an asymmetrical emotional experience that compounds over time.What of verbal impulsivity—those cutting remarks that can never be unsaid? Melissa offers a revelation that ADHD partners are "blessed with the ability to move on quickly," while non-ADHD partners ruminate, creating relationship dissonance long after the moment has passed.Let us take our cues from Melissa's "verbal cues," pattern interrupters in relationship conflict. The deliberate absurdity of an agreed-upon word like "hamburger" or "aardvark" serves as a circuit breaker during emotional escalation—a linguistic tool that transcends the heat of argument to preserve relationship integrity. It's a Safe Word, but for your ADHD.This is an invitation to understand how neurological differences fundamentally shape our perception of time, commitment, and connection—and how awareness of these differences might just be the greatest relationship skill we can develop.Links & NotesADHD MarriageIntent to Action Membership ProgramThe ADHD Effect on MarriageThe Couple's Guide to Thriving with ADHDSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to The ADHD Podcast (00:39) - Support the Show! Become a Patron! (01:40) - Introducing Melissa Orlov (06:58) - Auto-Impulsivity (09:32) - Impulsivity is Not a Monolith (12:38) - How We Fight (15:22) - Trust & Boundaries (19:10) - Fidelity (20:43) - Breaking out of Impulsive Patterns in Relationships (25:16) - Collaborating with the Non-Impulsive Partner (31:19) - Transparency (34:24) - Emotional Dysregulation & Verbal Cues (41:30) - Learn more about Melissa's work ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

Imagine two people standing on opposite sides of a canyon. One, tethered to the rhythms of neurotypical expectation—cause and effect, action and consequence—a world in which forgotten keys are just that: forgotten keys. The other, moving through a landscape of impulsivity, of fractured attention, of a thousand micro-failures that feel, at times, like an existential indictment. They love each other. They try to reach across the chasm. But the bridge they need is invisible.This week on The ADHD Podcast, Pete Wright and Nikki Kinzer embark on a three-part exploration into ADHD and relationships. Their guide this first week: Jonathan Hassall, an ADHD and executive function coach with a background in psychiatric nursing and ADHD research. Jonathan has spent years decoding the paradoxes that arise when ADHD meets the relentless machinery of relationships.Why do partners of those with ADHD feel unheard? Why does an innocuous comment about condiments over lunch spiral into a silent war? Why do people with ADHD sometimes feel like perpetual disappointments in the eyes of those they love? And is there a way—a real, tangible way—to undo the corrosive misunderstandings that accumulate over years, even decades?Jonathan argues that the real problem isn't ADHD itself. It's adaptation—or rather, the failure to adapt. The rules of engagement in relationships often assume a kind of neurological symmetry that simply doesn't exist when one or both partners have ADHD. And when partners misinterpret behavior—when forgetfulness looks like indifference, when emotional reactivity looks like hostility—the result is a slow erosion of trust.But what if there were another way? A way to recalibrate, to assume goodwill, to dismantle the myths and rebuild a foundation not on correction, but on understanding? From the science of emotional regulation to the power of a single moment of grace, Pete, Nikki, and Jonathan dissect the anatomy of ADHD relationships and ask the most fundamental question of all: What does it take to be truly seen?Links & Resources:Jonathan's book: Decoding DoingLearn more about Jonathan Hassall's work at ConnectADHD CoachingJoin the ADHD community on Discord: TakeControlADHD.com/discordSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to The ADHD Podcast (01:00) - Support the Show on Discord, Socials and Patreon! (01:58) - Introducing Jonathan Hassall (02:54) - ADHD & Relationships ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★

ADHD doesn't just complicate relationships—it shapes them. From romantic partnerships to friendships, family dynamics, and workplace interactions, the traits of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity ripple across every connection. Romantic relationships often bear the brunt, with ADHD symptoms leading to miscommunication, frustration, and even intimacy challenges. Couples may struggle with mismatched libidos, impulsive behaviors, or emotional dysregulation, but understanding ADHD's role can transform these struggles into opportunities for deeper connection.Family and professional relationships, too, are affected. ADHD parents often wrestle with providing structure or consistent discipline, creating chaotic home environments that strain relationships with children and partners. At work, impulsivity, time management issues, and difficulty following through on commitments can complicate team dynamics and career growth. Socially, the ADHD brain's challenges with focus and emotional regulation can lead to feelings of rejection or isolation, making it harder to build and sustain friendships.The science behind these struggles lies in the ADHD brain itself. Impaired dopamine regulation impacts empathy, social cognition, and emotional recognition, all of which play critical roles in relationships. Comorbid conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders further complicate matters, while genetic factors often ripple across generations, creating patterns of behavior that shape family and social dynamics. But the good news? With the right diagnosis, treatment, and tools, ADHDers can overcome these challenges and thrive in their relationships.In this episode, Nikki Kinzer and Pete Wright explore the intersection of ADHD and relationships, unpacking the science, the stories, and the strategies that foster connection. From structured communication techniques to empathy-building exercises, they offer actionable advice to help ADHDers and their loved ones navigate challenges and unlock the unique strengths ADHD brings to relationships. Whether you're navigating romance, family life, or professional interactions, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to better understand ADHD's role in human connection.Links & NotesSupport the Show on PatreonDig into the podcast Shownotes Database (00:00) - Welcome to Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast (02:29) - ADHD Relationships ★ Support this podcast on Patreon ★